Hot Body Count Continues On "True Blood"

If it hasn't been invented yet, how about we start a drinking game where you have to drink every time one of the hunky guys from "True Blood" appears shirtless? With every new hour of the Alan Ball-created HBO series, there's always a chance that one of the many men will appear either shirtless or naked in the course of the scene. Yes, Alan Ball knows how to keep the gay fans happy and, of course, how to keep them watching "True Blood" every Sunday night.

SInce I've seen the next few episodes, it's safe to say the eye candy is going to keep on coming and, trust me, it does not disappoint. The dim and loveable Jason (ripped up Ryan Kwanten) continues to fight his growing lust for Vamp Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll), who is in the midst of breaking up with cute and dopey Hoyt (Jim Parrack). Seeing Jason overwhelmed and confused by his emotions (and dropping to do push-ups every time he wants to push his sexually charged feelings aside) is almost as wonderful as the scenes where he is sans shirt, which, thankfully, are often. And, for those who like the tight fit of the Deputy uniform that accentuates Kwanten's perfect torso, there's plenty of that, too.

So much of the show revolves around Sookie (Anna Paquin), who is a little more empowered this season meaning that her whine-quotient has gone done considerably. But, let's face it, she's only truly interesting when one of her paramours is present. If you are caught up on the show (SPOILER ALERT if you are not caught up on the current episodes, proceed with caution), you know that she and the amnesiac Eric (Alexander Skarsgard) have finally done the nasty which has given us plenty of opportunity to gaze at Skarsgard's lean, tight physique. But I'm torn as to whether I like this kinder, gentler Eric or prefer the sardonic, fierce, ball-buster he was before the witch's spell took away his mojo. (Which do you prefer?)

Then there's Bill (Stephen Moyer) who is no longer with Sookie and has landed in the role of King and, in my opinion, is finally interesting and sexy. In years past, his pining for Sookie was at the point of ridiculousness as nothing else mattered. Since some time passed between last season and the current one, Bill is still fighting those lingering feelings but he's also finding his own ups and downs in his new responsibilities. All that said, the show regularly reminds us that no matter how much Eric or Bill try to distance themselves from Sookie, the moment her life is danger (which seems to be every five minutes), they drop everything and run to her. (Where do I find a man like that?!)

You'll enjoy Sookie's amusing dream in next week's episode where she imagines a world where she can have both Bill and Eric (and, we can only hope, the men can have each other, too) but is there really no question that there is not a man on the show (or on Earth) who is better than the strapping hunk of man known as Alcide (Joe Manganiello)? The gorgeous, buff werewolf has a gentle vulnerability that is just as sexy as his six-pack and firm, perfectly shaped ass; but what makes him even sexier is that he balances that side perfectly with his more beastly attributes.

In truth, it would be great if Alcide could join Lafayette and Jesus at the boy bar but, hell, truth be told, it doesn't really matter with whom Alcide is having sex because we're only looking at him and wishing he were on top...or behind...or under US!

And let's not forget the hottest gay couple on the show - Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) and Jesus (Kevin Alejandro). This season is all about witches infiltrating the world of "True Blood" and since Jesus is a brujo (male witch), it's only fitting that he has slowly pulled Lafayette into this world. It wasn't really a surprise when it turned out that the mascara-wearing cook at Merlotte's plays a bigger part than anyone could have imagined. But wait until you see what happens when Lafayette finds himself in his latest struggle when someone new suddenly controls his body (which shows just how versatile Nelsan Ellis can be when given kick-ass material). Now, while there hasn't been nearly enough between the sheets with these two beautiful men, their love is on the surface with every scene and that's a refreshing flip from the rest of the show where nobody can stay together in a relationship for long. Go, Bon Temps gays!

I'll be the first to admit that "True Blood" may not be the best written show in terms of dialogue and story plotting but it is the best popcorn you'll ever have. Even when the story lags a little bit or lacks bite (so to speak), there are always a slew of hot men to gawk at and on a Sunday night when we're all dreading starting the new work week, what else do we really need?